From snacks to your own swimming pool – five budget hacks to keep your dog cool
Keep your dog cool with these paw-fect budget solutions to ensure tails are wagging, not flagging.
POOL PARTY: Every dog deserves their own private pool for summer.
Pick up a children's paddling pool from B&M for £8 as it's the perfect depth for most breeds to splash about in and cool down.
Or for smaller dogs, a washing-up bowl works just as well. Remember to only fill with a few inches of cool water and watch them splash about.
N'ICE IDEA: Skip overpriced pet shop treats and whip up your own healthy, cooling snacks. According to the PDSA, The vet charity for pets in need (Pdsa.org.uk) you can mash bananas and berries with water and add the mixture to an empty ice cube tray.
Freeze and then give to your pets as a tasty, cold, lickable treat, while always keeping an eye on them to prevent choking hazards.
Another idea is to freeze your pet's water bowl or add ice cubes to their water in hot weather.
MAT'S THE WAY TO DO IT: A cooling mat is a great on-the-go option for dogs. Sainsbury's has a small breeds cooling mat for £5, or get a slightly larger one at Tesco for £7.
Or fill a freezer bag with ice cubes, then wrap it in a thin tea-towel or towel.
Place this under your pet's bed or blanket for an instant cooling effect that will last for hours.
SHADE BRIGADE: Protect your pet from direct sunlight by hanging old bedsheets between fences or over your washing line to create a shade in your garden.
Simple five-second rule to see if it's too hot to walk your dog and how to tell the four-legged friend has had a heatstroke, expert reveals
If their bed is near a window, try moving it to a shady spot for the summer.
A cardboard box on its side is also a way to create a shady 'den' for pets indoors.
SPRAY AWAY: Dogs can get sunburn too, so if you're going to be out in the sun today, pick up a pet-safe solution.
A cooling sun spray such as the Petkin Doggy Sunmist Spray SPF15 is a great option for £6 at Petsathome.com.
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Deal of day
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The Sharp 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart TV 50in was £299, now £249 at B&M.
Check bmstores.co.uk for stock at your local store.
SAVE: £50
Cheap treat
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WHIP up Angel Delight for tonight's pudding.
Sachets are usually £1.05, but Co-op members can get them for 70p each.
Top swap
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Shop and save
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